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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Well-backed Ravello scores for Prendergast

Wed 21st Aug 2013, 17:02

Ravello Again (left) keeps on best to beat Conversational Ravello Again (left) keeps on best to beat Conversational
© Photo Healy Racing

The Patrick Prendergast trained Ravello Again got the better of Conversational to land the Sean Rothwell Construction 3yo Maiden.

Ridden by Declan McDonogh, the daughter of Lawman came in for plenty of market support. She was 10/1 in a place this morning, before the likely favourite Tax Reform came out, opening on-course at 7/2 before going off the 5/2 favourite.

Owned by Ballylinch Stud, the bay filly was having her sixth career start this evening, and her second on the turf.

She ran well on her handicap debut at Galway on her last outing, finishing just under four lengths seventh to Target Acquired.

Having tracked the leaders in the early stages, the Andy Oliver trained Conversational (3/1) hit the front two furlongs out, and the winner quickly went in pursuit soon.

After a brief dual Ravello Again hit the front inside the final furlong, keeping on best from there to score by three parts of a length.

Conversational had to settle for second under Chris Hayes, while Why Me finished seven lengths back in third under Gary Carroll for John McConnell at 5/1.

Patrick Prendergast said afterwards: "I think she should have won in Galway. She got knocked over and she was nearly on the floor but she finished out the race strongly.

"I fancied her today but I was a bit worried that it might be a bit quick for her. Bellewstown did a hell of job, it’s lovely safe ground.

"My one tries hard and it is lovely to have a winner for Ballylinch Stud.

"I think there could be a little handicap in her. Being a filly it is important to get that winning bracket. Ballylinch Stud have been very patient."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

1st
5/2Fav
Tote €4.50 €1.50
2nd
0.75L
3/1
€1.02
3rd
7L
5/1
€2.70
4th
1.5L
7/2
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.